Navy linebacker adjusting to new position

Jordan Drake has started 26 straight games for the Navy football team. That makes the senior linebacker one of the most experienced members of the defensive unit.

However, Drake feels like a rookie in many ways this August as he’s adjusting to playing a new position. Having moved from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, the Georgia native is starting over in some respects.

“It’s been humbling. I went from thinking I knew everything at outside linebacker to not knowing anything at inside linebacker,” Drake said. “So many things are different – that first step, that first read. Right now, I’m just trying to learn the basics.”

Defensive coordinator Buddy Green switched Drake to the inside linebacker spot known as “MIKE” toward the end of spring camp after determining the defense needed an upgrade there. While Drake may be a bit overwhelmed right now, the coaching staff has been pleased by how fast he’s made the transition.

“We thought Jordan was a guy who’s got the size and speed to play that position, the knowledge of the game to make that move,” Green said. “I think it was a good move. He’s doing very well in there. It gives us a bigger guy, an experienced guy who has played in a lot of games.”

Drake started all 13 games as both a sophomore and junior, amassing 92 tackles while also displaying the ability to get into the backfield and disrupt. He totaled 7 ½ tackles for loss and five sacks over the previous two seasons. He also had pass coverage responsibilities and acquitted himself well in that area as well, Green said.

Inside linebacker is a critical position in Navy’s 3-4 defensive alignment. Invariably, those two players tend to make the majority of tackles, which was case last season when Cody Peterson and D.J. Sargenti ranked first and second with 142 and 110, respectively. In fact, an inside linebacker has led Navy in tackles for nine straight seasons with Peterson being joined in that honor by such standouts as Tyler Simmons, Matt Warrick and Ross Pospisil.

“There is a high standard to live up to. Those are big names that you just mentioned,” Drake said. “I feel like the playing experience I’ve had is going to help me, but I still have a lot of work to do in order to master the position.”

Fortunately, Peterson and Sargenti are on temporary assignment duty at the Naval Academy and working with the football program as graduate assistants. Sargenti was moved from outside to inside linebacker early in August camp last season and really excelled.

“Cody and Sarge give me so much knowledge. Sarge has really been helpful because he made the switch from outside to inside so he knows the important things to focus on. I’m so grateful they’re both still here,” said Drake, who also thanked current inside backers such as seniors Jimmy Britton and Maika Polamalu for their help.

By far the biggest change involves the read keys, which are different inside than outside. An inside linebacker also has to be a bit more physical against the running game as they are counted on to make tackles on handoff plays between the tackles. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Drake has the size necessary to play the position and the strength to shed blockers, Green said.

“Jordan plays the game physical, he plays 100 miles per hour and that’s what we’re looking for in there,” Green said. “He’s also got good range and can help us underneath (in pass coverage) on the second level.”

While Drake has been working primarily at MIKE, inside linebackers coach Steve Johns says he trains every member of the unit to play both spots. Johns said Drake will not be handed a starting spot and is presently on even terms with junior Don Pearson, Britton and Polamalu.

Pearson entered preseason camp as the starter at the SAM position. Green, who said sophomore Daniel Gonzales is also in the mix, said he does not anticipate moving anyone else to inside linebacker.

"We have some guys stepping up and doing good things. I think we have enough good guys in there that we’ll be solid in the two-deep,” he said.

Having lost two starters that took about 90 percent of the defensive repetitions last season, inside linebacker remains a big question for Navy leading up to the Aug. 30 season opener against Ohio State at M&T Bank Stadium.

“Nobody can replace Cody Peterson and D.J. Sargenti. We’re just trying to do our best to fill their spots."